The story of the Missionary Sisters of Service begins in 1933 on Bruny
Island, Tasmania, Australia. A mother asked a young priest, Fr. John Corcoran
Wallis, who was visiting her family: “Father, why can’t we have sisters to
teach our children? Doesn’t anyone care about us people in the bush?”

Fr. John cared deeply, and the question stayed with him. Over the
ensuing years a vision formed in his mind: of women going into rural and
outback areas, seeking out people beyond the reach of the care and supports so
readily available to others; women who would visit people in their homes,
support, encourage, counsel, teach and empower them to nourish their families
and communities.

In 1943 Fr John found himself in Burnie, north-west Tasmania, where he
spoke of his vision at a Legion of Mary meeting. It awakened a call in the
heart of one of his listeners, Gwen Morse. She approached him: “Father, if I
can be of any use to that dream of yours, I am ready to be part of it.” The
dream of Fr John’s heart was about to become a reality.

On 8 July 1944 in Launceston, Tasmania, the first four women came
together: Gwen Morse, Monica Carroll, Kath Moore and Joyce O’Brien. Later that
year they were joined by Valerie Casey and Agnes Ryan. This courageous group of
women became the foundation of our community of Missionary Sisters of Service.

Over the following years our community grew in numbers and into its
mission and identity. Missionary Sisters of Service became a familiar presence
in many areas of Tasmania, the eastern Australian States and South Australia.
Initially focused on rural and outback areas, our vision grew to include people
in more populated areas who can also find themselves on the margins. Beyond
Australia’s shores, we have reached out to places like Timor Leste, Papua New
Guinea, and Singapore where one sister lives and works. One of Fr John’s
frequent encouragements was “Look at big maps”. No matter where we are living
and working, our vision extends to the world.

Just as the initial inspiration for the Missionary Sisters of Service
came in response to a need of the time, so at every stage of our story we have
endeavoured to be aware of current needs and respond according to our gifts and
capacities.

Our motto, “Into the highways and byways”, is a constant reminder of our
need to be adaptable and ready to risk stepping beyond our comfort zone in our
response to the mission of the Gospel.